BURNLEY legend Willie Irvine has died aged 82.
The Northern Irish striker plundered 97 goals in 148 games for the now-Premier League club.
Shutterstock EditorialWillie Irvine has sadly passed away[/caption]
Shutterstock EditorialThe star was a striker for the Northern Ireland team[/caption]
FacebookWillie is survived by his wife Rita and his sons Darren, Stephen and Jonathan[/caption]
Irvine played for the Clarets between 1960 and 1968, before joining Lancashire rivals Preston North End and later Brighton & Hove Albion.
He broke his leg in 1967 and retired at just 29, having also spent time at Halifax Town and Great Harwood.
Irvine, from Eden, County Antrim, went on to work at an aerospace factory after leaving his sporting career behind.
He remained living around Burnley and gave guided tours of the club stadium Turf Moor on matchdays.
“We would like to send our condolences to the friends and family of Burnley legend, Willie Irvine,” the Clarets Trust said in a statement.
“The Northern Irishman was one of the finest goalscorers Turf Moor has seen, and delivered matchday tours later on in life.
“He will always be remembered fondly.”
The Burnley FC Independent Supporters Association added: “We are devastated to hear of the passing of Burnley legend, Willie Irvine.
“A remarkable goalscorer who was truly adored in our town.
“Our thoughts are with his wife, Rita; his sons, Darren, Stephen and Jonathan and all of their families. Rest in Peace, Willie.”
A statement from Preston North End read: “We are saddened to learn of the passing of our former player Willie Irvine, who made 81 appearances for North End between 1968 and 1971.
“Our thoughts are with Willie’s friends and family at this difficult time.”
Early life and career
Irvine travelled from Northern Ireland to Lancashire for a successful trial at Burnley aged 16, before working his way through the club’s youth and reserve teams.
He made his first team debut at the end of the 1962/63 season, aged 19.
The striker established himself in the side and finished the 1965/66 campaign as First Division top scorer.
However, Irvine suffered a broken leg during an FA Cup tie against Everton in 1967.
The injury meant he never properly regained his form for Burnley, while a knee injury sustained at Preston was not properly diagnosed and resulted in calcification in the joint, effectively ending his career at a high level.
Irvine also played for the Northern Ireland national team, making his debut for the under-23 side in February 1963, and then got a full senior call up that April.
He made a total of 23 appearances and scored eight goals.
FacebookWillie played for the Clarets, Preston North End and Brighton and Hove Albion[/caption]
FacebookWillie retired after an injury at the age of 29, but remained a beloved football icon[/caption]
Shutterstock EditorialWilliam ‘Willie’ Irvine remains a legend at Turf Moor[/caption] Creator – [#item_custom_dc:creator]
